Transforming the Law

Reviews / Votes

The broad diversity of the subject matter will mean that different sections of the book will appeal to students and practitioners with an interest in the area, as well as to academics, the judiciary and indeed anyone with a role to play in developing strategies for the application of the law. ... Susskind is obviously passionate about the role of IT in enabling greater access to justice for a broader spread of the population, and this comes across in his writing. ... This work is a relatively comprehensive collection of Susskind's thinking on those developments likely over the next decade and beyond, and as such it should be required reading for anyone considering strategic or implementation issues. The structure and tone of the book is relaxed, and overall it succeeds in making complex principles understandable to a wide audience. * The Cambridge Law Journal, Vol. 61, Part 2, July 2002 * The author cleverly uses his four-celled grid to move from the more abstract general concepts that were the currency of The Future of Law through a series of increasingly concrete levels until he is talking about specific applications of technology to legal business. ... Part I is, I feel, an invaluable guide for law firms on how to exploit the business challenges and avoid the pitfalls of the information society. ... It unquestionably demonstrates Susskind's remarkable range, versatility and influence as jurisprudent, legal business guru, government strategist and visionary. ... this is an important book which should be read. * Robin Widdison, International Journal of Law and Information Technology, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2002 * Richard Susskind has made significant contributions to the evaluation of information technology ... in the legal domain. ... will be of interest to those who ... are looking for an efficient and up-to-date compilation. ... Richard Susskind continues to be an important voice in evaluating the impact of IT on the legal profession. His past and continuing contributions are such that any new book he produces deserves the attention of the legal community. Transforming the Law is no exception. * International Business Lawyer, 1 Oct 2002 * Professor Richard Susskind may be the most important thinker and writer on the subject of the legal profession today, and the essays in Transforming the Law are as provocative as his prescient 1996 book The Future of Law. ... Transforming is provocative but extremely valuable thinking on the future. The initial incredulous reaction to Future has been replaced over the years by acceptance and recognition. The bold prediction and prescriptions of Transforming should therefore be digested and considered seriously by all who have an interest in the future of the legal profession ... * Ward Bower AW website, 16.7.01 * Richard Susskind is the nearest thing the law has to an e-guru ... Admirably clear, user-friendly and comprehensive in its focus on law, these essays are the nearest thing we have to a primer. As such they should be required reading for anyone faced with the task of dragging a firm into the new reality or coming to terms with what law will be in the new world. * The Lawyer, 9 July 2001 * There can be no one who cannot learn something new ... this is a vivacious and entertaining introduction to the use of technology in legal practice and the system of justice generally.....It has been produced to the publisher's customary high standards * Professor Colin Tapper, Law Quarterly Review, July 2001 * Both through his writings and through his work as a consultant to Lord Woolf and others, Prof. Susskind has had a profound influence on the practice of the law in the past decade. These essays provide a good indication of his power of analysis and of the originality of much of his thinking. His vision is clear. Lawyers must embrace IT. ... these essays are a work of scholarship - but they also contain a mass of practical advice. * Financial Times 23 April 2001 * poses a number of interesting questions and challenges for the law and is well worth investigation. * E-Commerce - Germany * How should lawyers use emerging technologies to develop their practices? Richard Susskind's latest book Transforming the Law, published by Oxford University Press, provides the most exciting exposition of this largely new subject ... This vision of the future of law is something all lawyers should take extremely seriously else their livelihoods could be in jeopardy ... Transforming the Law is a must for all lawyers who take other than a short-term view of their businesses. * John Angel, Electronic Business Law * His comments merit careful study by both lawyers and non-lawyers because they are written by someone who has the experience and the skill to analyse the ways in which legal services are currently delivered and to forecast the changes that lie ahead. ... Taken together these essays are a work of scholarship - but they also contain a mass of practical advice. As IT moves forward at an accelerating pace it is to be hoped there are more essays to come. * Sir Brian Neill, Financial Times * I would recommend this book to anyone interested in thinking about the changes that are being wrought by information technology in the law and courts arena. * Herbert M. Kritzer, Law and Politics Review * A lawyer and technology guru explains the impact that the Internet has made on the legal profession. The author delivers a fascinating study of how the Internet is altering the traditional methods for delivering legal services. Learn how to reassess your role and adapt your strategies to the transformations brought by the Internet. * Michael Goldblatt, FindLaw Lawyer Marketing News * This is a masterly analysis of the past, present and future of the impact of technology on the law, legal practice and legal practitioners - and a book which lawyers neglect at their peril. * Solicitors Journal Feb 01 * No lawyer with an interest in the future of their own profession can afford to ignore the message. * Andrew Terrett, Computers and Law Vol. 11 Issue 6 * what Professor Susskind has to say is undoubtedly of great importance ... His passion an optimism shine through his writings and make him a compelling advocate. * Peter Rouse, Gazette, 18.01.01. * There is ... a wealth of valuable information and insight here. * Peter Rouse, Gazette, 18.01.01. * required reading for any law practice desirous of continuing to still be in business in the not-too-distant future. * Stephen Digby, The Legal Executive March 2001 * Richard Susskind is my official adviser on IT matters and, as such, provides me with extremely valuable assistance in this important area. I am sure that this book, like his last, will be invaluable to those interested in the way in which IT is transforming the legal market place. * The Rt Hon the Lord Woolf, the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales * For many lawyers, the Internet is still unchartered territory. This book provides a necessary roadmap to help law firms and legal departments drive their businesses forward, so they can thrive in the new economy. And who better to explain this than Professor Richard Susskind, the world's leading expert on technology and law. * Elizabeth Broderick, Partner, Blake Dawson Waldron, Australia * This book is full of essential analysis and thoughtful insights. No lawyer with an eye on the future can afford to ignore them. * Garth Pollard, Chief Operating Officer, Clifford Chance * At the intersection of law and information technology - a place of both opportunity and risk - no one sees as clearly, thinks as cleverly, or writes as compellingly as Richard Susskind. Transforming the Law is a masterful guide to this challenging landscape. * Michael Mills, Director of Professional Services & Systems, Davis Polk & Wardwell * Any managing partner who is not urgently addressing the issues raised by Richard Susskind should be counting on early retirement. * Tony Williams, Worldwide Managing Partner, Andersen Legal * Richard Susskind's last book compelled the legal world to radically reconsider the traditional role of lawyers and law firms in the provision of legal services to society at large. This new collection of essays continues the story into the e-commerce era and should guarantee that the 'Susskind Grid' and 'eight strategies for the future' become the standard methodology for any law firm planning to deliver legal services online. * Charles Christian, editor of Legal Technology Insider * Another stimulating and provocative work from Richard Susskind. Mandatory reading. * David Maister, co-author, The Trusted Advisor * Transforming the Law provides an excellent insight into how anyone involved on the provision of legal services can adapt to changing conditions. It is easy to read and visionary in it's outlook. Few lawyers will find it possible to read this book without rethinking the way they practice law and, in essence, this is the real value of the work. * Gerard Nelditsch, Director of eBusiness *